Ministry of Natural Resources optimistic to transform DCCMS services

Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change has expressed commitment to transforming the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) to be truly responsive to users through dynamic needs.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Yusuf Mkungula, made the remarks during the official opening of the Climate Risk and Early Warning System (CREWS) Malawi partner coordination and stocktaking workshop in Blantyre on Monday.

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He explained that DCCMS, which was established over six decades ago, is now undergoing some improvements.

“The ongoing development of our strategic plan, the new meteorological policy, and the implementation of a robust Quality Management System are all designed to fundamentally transform the department’s service delivery.

“The contributions and unwavering support of this meeting will go a long way in strengthening climate services in Malawi, which is paramount for our climate change adaptation efforts – a key national priority for our nation,” he said.

Mkungula said pressing demands have prompted the ministry to revise the Climate Change and Meteorological Services’ Strategic Plan to incorporate emerging priorities, including the Early Warning for All initiative and the national development framework as well as Malawi 2063.

He added, “The overarching aim of the revised strategic plan is to provide timely, accurate, and actionable information on weather, climate, and climate change, ultimately safeguarding lives and property, while also providing critical support for Malawi’s sustainable economic growth.”

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) CREWS Malawi Project Manager, Dr Joshua Ngaina, said his organisation will continue to support Malawi to ensure it aligns its interventions in line with best practices as well as the country’s priorities.

Ngaina said WMO will continue supporting Malawi to finalise its Meteorological Bill so that the institution remains relevant to the modern world.

“We are particularly interested in early warning systems that lead to early action and early saving of lives. I must say that early warning systems are human rights and need to be treated as such,” he said.

World Bank Group Practice Manager for Urban, Resilience and Land for East and Southern Africa, Catalina Marulanda, said climate change effects, if left unchecked, have the potential to affect 16 percent of Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the years to come.

Marulanda said time is now for Malawi to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and ensure that there is sustainability in all the mitigating interventions.

The two-day stakeholders meeting is aimed at gathering vital input for the strategic planning of climate services and the development of the Malawi Meteorological Bill.